Roboastra gracilis on Scorpion Fish

February 25, 2006
From: Aaron Smith

Concerning message #15816:

Here is a photo of Roboastra gracilis on Rhinopias Scorpionfish seen on Pixie Pinnacle on recent Cod Hole trip on board Nimrod Explorer. The Rhinopias has been there for over six months, but this time he had a companion.

Locality: Pixie Pinnacle, 7 metres, Queensland, Coral Sea, 28th December 2005, Outer reef. Photographer: Aaron Smith.

Aaron Smith

allyazza@optusnet.com.au

Smith, A., 2006 (Feb 25) Roboastra gracilis on Scorpion Fish. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15941

Dear Aaron,
Thanks for this. It is surprising how many nudibranchs seem to walk over scorpion fish. [The close-up alongside is of the fish's 'beard'].  I know there are a few other examples on the Forum, one in fact showing a scorpion fish with nudibranch eggs deposited on its back [#12726 ]. And before anyone suggests that the remarkable colour similarity is a superb example of camouflage or mimicry, I think it is just a remarkable coincidence. I guess scorpaeinid fish, which sit still for long periods, are just another rock to a nudibranch.

The message you refer to, is about Roboastra eating another nudibranch. I am not sure if you are perhaps suggesting Roboastra may be eating the fish - or taking a nibble, As far as I know, species of Roboastra are purely nudibranch feeders.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Feb 25). Comment on Roboastra gracilis on Scorpion Fish by Aaron Smith. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15941

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